Rotary beam warning light



Nov. 19, 1957 J. S. M REA ROTARY BEAM WARNING LIGHT Filed Oct. 29, 1954INVENTOR RQ L WM rZZazzcfi WRNEYS 3 of the reflector is spaced below thehorizontal portions 36 of the lamp supporting uprights 34, and has acutout 45 to provide clearance for the socket 39 of the lamp. Thereflector 33 also has a circular opening 46 in its center portion orapex, at the same level as the filament 47 of the lamp 14.

The lower portion of the reflector 33 is attached to a sleeve 48 whichis carried by a vertical shaft 49 rotatable in bearing arms 50 of acasting having a circular or ring-shaped base 51 which is mounted on oneend of an electric motor 52 placed on and attached to the base 20 of thecasing. The reflector 33 is thus mounted for rotation about the lamp 14in a horizontal path and in operative position with respect to the lamp.

For the purpose of continuously turning the reflector 33 to cause thebeam which is projected thereby to revolve in a circular path, the shaft50 carried a worm gear 54 meshing with a worm 55 driven by the motor 52.

By the above organization, with the motor 52 continuous energized, thereflector 33 will be continually revolved about the stationary lamp 14,resulting in a powerful search light beam being projected through thelens 15 in the manner of an aircraft beacon light, the beam continuouslyrevolving through a full 360 degree arc. It will be noted that at notime is it necessary for the lamp 14 to move, and that the energizationof the lamp does not require movable contacts or slip rings, brushes andthe like which would be likely to get out of order.

By providing the cut-out or notch 45 in the upper edge 43 of thereflector 33, the latter may be disposed closely adjacent the bulb,providing for an economy in material due to the smaller reflector sizemade possible by this positioning. Moreover, by the provision of thecenter opening 46 in the reflector 33 a secondary lighting effect willbe obtained from the bulb 14, the lens 15 being illuminated at the rearof the reflector 33 at all times. Because of the presence of the glassenvelope of the bulb 14 the apex portion of the reflector 13 is oflessened value in projecting light forwardly past the bulb, andaccordingly the provision of the opening 46 does not appreciably reducethe strength of the light beam projected by the reflector.

In accordance with this invention there is also pr0- vided within thecasing 13 a flashing light source, to enhance the attention-arrestingvalue of the warning light. Referring to Fig. 2 a lamp socket 57 isprovided, mounted on the base 20 and carrying an incandescent lamp 58which is connected by a lead wire 59 to a flasher device 60 of the typewell known to the art. The light 58 may be of relatively high wattageand appreciable brilliance, thereby causing an intense flashing lightwithin the lens 15 which brightly illuminates the lens periodically andintermittently. This flashing light, which illuminates the lens 15 froma point within the casing, in conjunction with the powerful search lightbeam which is continuously revolving through the lens 15, provides anextremely effective and reliable attention-arresting warning light whichis a neecssity for personnel and equipment which may be present at thescene of an accident or other emergency.

The casing 13 is attached to the roof 11 of the car by screws (notshown) passing upward through the roof and into threaded holes 65 in thebase 20. A sturdy hollow screw 66 is is provided, passing through alarge opening 67 in the base 20 and having a nut 68 by which the base 20may also be secured to the car roof 11. A lead wire 69 may be broughtthrough the screw 66, to supply the energization for the motor 52, lamps14 and 5s, and flasher 60.

The improved warning light of this invention is seen to be of extremelysimple and economical construction. The casing 13 and lens 15 provide areliable and efiective seal against the entrance of rain, dirt, etc. Ihave found that my warning light as above set forth is extremelyeffective and reliable in its operation throughout an extended period ofuse, due in part to the absence of moving contacts, brushes, etc., whichare obviated by the stationary light source and rotary reflector, andalso due to the simplified lens and easing construction involving thesingle flat sealing washer or gasket 26 which makes the light weathertight. The motor 52 is rated for continuous duty, and due to theextremely light load imposed on the moving parts there is no appreciablewear involved nor lubrication problems. Even though the casing iseffectively sealed against the weather it may be instantly opened forreplacement of lamps by releasing the clasping means 31, 32.

Variations and modifications may be made within the scope of the claimsand portions of the improvements may be used without others.

I claim:

1. An attention-attracting, motivated-beam warning light for a vehicle,comprising a stationary light source; a cup-shaped reflector for saidlight source; means mounting the cup-shaped reflector for rotation in ahorizontal path level with and about the light source and in operativerelation thereto, to project a concentrated, substantially horizontalbeam therefrom; means for rotating the reflector; and stationary meansextending upwardly above the reflector past the top of the reflector,and downward past the outside of the reflector for supporting said lightsource, said stationary means consisting of a plurality of outwardlydisposed slim rods providing a minimum of impediment to said light beam,said reflector having upper and lower edges disposed in substantiallyparallel, spaced planes, the upper edge of the reflector having a notchto provide clearance for the supporting means of the light source.

2. An attention-attracting, motivated-beam warning light for a vehicle,comprising a stationary light source; a cup-shaped reflector for saidlight source; means mounting the cup-shaped reflector for rotation in ahorizontal path level with and about the light source and in operativerelation thereto, to project a concentrated, substantially horizontalbeam therefrom; means for rotating the reflector; and stationary meansextending upwardly above the reflector past the top of the reflector,and downward past the outside of the reflector, for supporting saidlight source, said stationary means consisting of a plurality ofoutwardly disposed slim rods providing a minimum of impediment to saidlight beam, said reflector having an opening at its apex to enable lightfrom the source to also travel in a direction opposite to the said beam.

3. An attention-attracting, motivated-beam warning light for a vehicle,comprising a stationary light source; a cup-shaped reflector for saidlight source; means mounting the cup-shaped reflector for rotation in ahorizontal path level with and about the light source and in operativerelation thereto to project a concentrated, substantially horizontalbeam therefrom; means for rotating the reflector; and stationary meansextending upwardly above the reflector past the top of the reflector,and downward past the outside of the reflector, for supporting saidlight source, said stationary means consisting of a plurality ofoutwardly disposed slim rods providing a minimum of impediment to saidlight beam, said reflector having upper and lower edges disposed insubstantially parallel, spaced planes, the upper edge of the reflectorhaving a notch to provide clearance for the supporting means of thelight source, and having an opening at its apex to enable light from thesource to also travel in a direction opposite to the said beam.

(References on following page) References Cited in the file of thispatent UNITED STATES PATENTS Betts Jan. 22, 1907 Cook May 23, 1922 5Knox Apr. 11, 1933 6 Kirby July 8, 1941 Slosar May 10, 1949 Wyatt Jan.23, 1951 Gosswiller Dec. 11, 1951 McDowell June 16, 1953 Wilcox et a1May 29, 1956

